WHETHER YOU’RE ALREADY a proud property owner or you’re just trying to get a foot on the ladder, it’s always worth keeping on top of the developments in the world of property.

Each week, we round up the most essential pieces of property news from the week just gone, from changes in policy to fantastic new buildings.

Here’s what’s been happening over the last week, starting with the return of Dublin’s iconic Bewley’s Café…

1. Bewley’s Grafton Street opened its doors again this week

TheJournal TheJournal

Bewley’s Grafton Street reopened to the public this week after being closed for almost three years. The multi-million euro refurbishment of the landmark cafe sees the return of the iconic stained-glass windows and open fireplaces – but table service has also been introduced throughout the cafe.

Haven’t had a chance to visit yet? Check out our first-look video here.

2. Dún Laoghaire to get a multi-million euro ‘hub’

Harbour Innovation Campus Harbour Innovation Campus

A major coworking space is expected to open in the former Dún Laoghaire ferry terminal. Dubbed the Harbour Innovation Campus, the so-called ‘innovation space’ will have the capacity to cater for up to 1,000 people if it is given the green light by the local council.

The outside of the old ferry terminal will look the same, but the interiors will be repurposed to cater for both larger companies of up to 20 people and small startups.

3. Top planning expert says Drogheda should be a city

Google Maps Google Maps

A new planning report has strongly advised that Drogheda be granted city status to help with its economic growth and development.

Dr Brian Hughes, a development expert, says the latest census figures show that the population of the greater Drogheda area is 83,000, meaning that the Louth town has a larger population than that of Waterford city.

4. Labour: Phoenix is a ‘bizarre’ name for children’s hospital

Sam Boal Sam Boal

The Labour Party is calling on the government to reverse its decision to name the new children’s hospital Phoenix Children’s Health.

Leader Brendan Howlin said it was “unclear” why so much was invested in an extensive process to name the National Children’s Hospital and said naming it after someone like activist Dr Kathleen Lynn would be more apt.

5. HAP house-hunter offers a grim insider’s viewpoint

Shutterstock / Fabio Balbi Shutterstock / Fabio Balbi / Fabio Balbi

The Housing Assistance Payment Scheme launched in March 2017, in response to the country’s increasingly inflated housing market, but it’s by no means a catch-all solution.

This week, writer and HAP applicant Chris O’Donnell detailed her struggle to find a willing landlord to rent to her under the scheme, in a column for TheJournal.ie. “When I would mention that I would be availing of the HAP scheme, an inevitable change of tone would follow,” she wrote. Read more of her column here.

And finally, this week’s property buzzword…

We’re breaking down the complicated world of property jargon, one buzzword at a time. This week, it’s trickle vent, featured in today’s New Development feature. A trickle vent window features a covered slot drilled into its plastic frame. Air ‘trickles’ in when you open and close the slot, resulting in increased air circulation.